Intermittent scrap cutter



' Dec. 30, 1941. E. R. MILLER INTERMITTENT SCRAP QUTTER 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Dec. 21, 1940 4 .--ITI fein/a E. R. MILLER Filed Dec. 21, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 30, 1941.

INTERMITTENT SCRAP CUTTER Dec. 30, 194,1.A E. R. MILLER 2,258,052

INTERMITTENT SCRAP CUTTER Filed Dec. 21, 1940 asusta-sheet s Patented Dec. 30, 1941 `UNITED STATES PATENT `OFFICE IN TERMITTENT SCRAP CUTTER Edgar It. Miller, Chicago, Ill., assignor to F. J.

Littell Machine Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation ofIllinois 18 Claims.

The invention relates to improvements in scrap cutters of the type generally associated with punch presses and has more particular application to an intermittent scrap cutter having novel mechanism for actuating the `same and which is adjustable for cutting the material. into i the lengths desired.

An object of the invention is to provide a scrap cutter of the vertical reciprocating type for association with punch presses and the like, which will be actuated from the press and in timed relation with the operations of said-press, and which will embody novel means for predetermining the actuations thereof.

Amore specic object is to provide a scrap cutter having intermittent operation in accordance with a master ratchet wheel which is rotated one notch for each punching cycle of the press. vision is made whereby the ratchet wheel may be changed to one having a dierent number of teeth since this will change the interval between actuations and will accordingly change the length of the scrap cut by the device.

Another object is to provide a reciprocating type of scarp cutter having an oscillating fulcrum member and wherein the parts are constructed and arranged to effect a cutting operation by changing the fulcrum point of` said member. p

A further object resides in the provision of an intermittent scrap cutter for association with punch presses and the like having electric means which will be rendered responsive at intervals measured by a predetermined number of strokes of the press for effecting actuation `of thecutter.

With these and various other objects in view, the invention may consist of certain novel features of construction and operation, as will be more fully described and particularly pointed out in the specication, drawings and claims appended hereto.

In the drawings which illustrate an embodiment of the device, and wherein like reference characters are used to designate like parts- Figure 1 is an elevational viewlooking toward the side of a press having the scrap cutter of the invention in associated relation therewith;

Figure 2 is a front elevational` View of the scrap cutter showing the fulcrum member and the various parts connecting therewith;

Figure 3 is a front elevational view similar to Figure 2 but showing parts of the reciprocating cutter in vertical section and in the act of performing a cutting operation;

Figure 4 is a `top plan view of the cutting mechanism proper showing the main fulcrum for the oscillating member and the` latching means having association with the end thereof;

Figure 5 isa detail sectional view taken` sub- In accordance with the invention prostantially along line 5-5 of Figure 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view taken substantially along line 6-6 of Figure 1; and

Figure '7 is a fragmentary View in elevation showing a modied form of ratchet wheel having a larger number of teeth and which may be substituted for that shown in the assembly of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, particularly Figure 1, the scrap cutter of `the invention is shown in associated relation with a punch press or the like having a main operating shaft indicated by numeral Ill which is rotated at intervals to effect the punching operations.

nism which predetermines the actuation `of said cutter, the same being measured in accordance I0 of the press has connection at I2 with a connecting link I4 which is joined at its lower end as at I5 to a clevis I6. The clevis in turn has a releasable connection with an oscillating member I 8. The pivot pin 2U joins the clevis I 6 to the member I8 but this pin is removable in order that the point of connection may be varied `as the openings 2| and 22 may also be utilized for this purpose. Except when the cutter is operative the oscillating member I8 has pivotal movement about a fulcrum point located substantially centrally thereof. `This central` fulcrum of the oscillating member is best shown in Figure 4, the same including a main fulcrum pin 23 which passes through the oscillating member I8 to extend a short distance beyond each of the hubs 24 formed integral with and on opposite sides of the member. These extending ends of the fulcrum pin 23 are journalled by the bifurcated `extensions 25 projecting upwardly from the reciprocating cutter slide indicated in its entirety by numeral 26.

The slide shown in section in Figure 3 is formed along respective sides thereof with tubular portions 21 and 28 by means of ywhich the slide is mounted for reciprocating movement in a vertical direction. The base 29, which provides the support 3U for the scrap material 3| to be cut by the reciprocating slide, has suitably fixed thereto a pair of spaced upright posts 33 and 34,

the post 33 extending through the tubular portion 21, whereas, post 34 extends through tubular portion 28. Each tubular portion has secured thereto by screws 35 a member of substantially U-shape which may be considered as providing a spaced cap for its respective portion. The member 31 of U-shape is associated with tubular portion 21 and the member 38 of similar shape is associated with portion 28. Each member positions a coil spring 40 between the same and Said shaft also drives the scrap cutter and the timing mechacoil spring 48 is coniined between the central portion of member 31 and the post 33, the same having contact with nut 42 which in turn rests on the post. The coil spring 40, located within member 38, is also associated with bolt 4I which provides a continuation of the post 34, see Figure 3. The cutter lslide 26 is accordingly mounted on posts 33 and 34 for vertical movement, which movement is influenced by the tension exerted by the coil springs 40, the coil springs yielldinglyI maintaining the slide in elevated position wherein the U-shaped members 31 and 38 will engage the nuts 43 on the bolts 4I. It -will be clearly understood that the nuts 43 provide a stop limiting further movement of the cutter slide in an up direction under the tension exerted by the coil spring.

Except when the free end of the oscillating member I8 is held by structure to be described, the member fulcrums on the cutter slide 26. This takes place for a number of strokes of the press until a cutting operation on the scrap material is desired. By novel mechanism of the invention the free end of member I3 is latched with the result that the oscillating movement of member I8 will be imparted to the slide 26 to cause the slide to reciprocate on posts 33 and 34, which reciprocation in a downward direction is against the tension of coil springs 40.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the left hand end of the oscillating member I8 is provided with a pin 45 which projects from the respective sides of the member and these projecting ends are each located within a vertical elongated slotl 46 formed in the side walls of a support 41. When the member I8 has pivotal movement about the fulcrum pin 23, it will be observed that this left hand end of the member will have free up and down movement within the support 41, the only association between this end of member I8 and the support being provided by pin 45 which rides within the slots 46. The support 41 is suitably secured to an adjustable post 48 projecting from the trunnion member 50. The post 48 is adjustable in order that the support 41 may be elevated or lowered to properly accommodate the end of the fulcrum `member I8. Trunnion 50 is suitably journalled by the pivot pin 5I to spaced uprights 52 provided by the base 29. The latch 53 is pivoted to support 41 at 54 and movement of the latch is controlled by electric means in the form of a. solenoid 55 having an armature 56 depending within the same, which armature is pivotally connected at 51 to the latch. As best illustrated in Figure 2, the latch is maintained-in released position by the coil spring 58 carried by the rod 519 and which is confined on said rod and between the support and an adjustable nut 6i). The end of rod 59 passing through the support is piv'otally connected at 6I to the latch and since this connection is above the pivot 54 the latch is yieldingly urged in a Iclockwise direction which functions to maintain the depending ear or gag 62 in a position where the same is withdrawn and out of Contact with the recessed end 63 of the oscillating member. It is possible for the gag 82 to enter the recess on the end 63 of the oscillating member only when said end of the member has been depressed, which will be clearly evident from Figure 3. On the next stroke of the press oscillation of member I3 Will take place with pin 45 as the fulcrum, and accordingly, movement will be imparted in a ldownward direction to the cutter slide.

As previously described, the solenoid 55 provides electrical means for controlling actuation 'of the latch 53 and in accordance with the invention said solenoid is energized at intervals measured by the strokes of the press. In other words, a predetermined number of strokes of the press will take place before the latch is actuated and following energization thereof the same number of strokes will again take place before the cycle is repeated. The solenoid is electrically connected by the conductor wires 64 with the switch box 65 which receives electrical energy from any suitable source by the conductors 66. The conductor wires 61 electrically connect the solenoid to' a micro-switch 68 having an outwardly projecting switch contact member 10. The micro-switch 68 is4 suitably supported by the bracket 1I from the side wall 12 of the frame of the press and from said bracket there projects a stud having formed on its inner end the nut 13. Referring to Figure 6, the stud provides a bearing portion 14 for the oscillating arm 15 and a second bearing portion 18 of reduced diameter which rotatably mounts a ratchet wheel 11. The friction washers 18 produce a limited braking action Ion the ratchet wheel since the said Wheel is resiliently held in contact therewith by the face washer 19 which is backed by the coil'spring 80.

The arm 15 carries a pawl 8| which is pivoted to the arm by means of the bolt 82. Above the pawl at its extreme upper end arm 15 is pivotally secured at 83 to the connecting rod 84 which in turn is pivoted to the connecting link I4 at 85. It will be understood that when the main operating shaft Il)l of the press rotates the eccentric will have up and down movement, which movement is imparted through connecting link I4 to the oscillating member I8, cansing said member to oscillate and said eccentric will also have lateral movement. The corresponding lateral movement of the connecting link I4 is transmitted to the connecting rod 84 and as a result arm 15 is rocked and similar movement is imparted to pawl 8|. The extent of movement of arm 15 is sufficient to cause the pawl to index the ratchet wheel one notch. In accordance with the invention the ratchet wheel 11 is provided with an .even number of notches, as for example, forty-eight, which is divisible by such even numbers as 24, 12, 8, 6 and 2. An opening 86 is formed in the ratchet wheel 11 at the base of each notch and said openings are designed to receive a small bolt 81 having a rounded head which is positioned for contact with the switch contact member 1|) of the micro-switch. If it is desired to effect a cutting operation for each twenty-four strokes of the press it will be understood that only two of the bolts 81 will be inserted in the ratchet wheel, these being placed at diametrically opposite positions. However, if a cutting operation is desired for every twelve strokes of the press four of the bolts 81 are used and these are located at ninety degree positions, as shown in Figure 1. Since the number of teeth on the ratchet wheel 11 is divisible by the small numbers as 8, V6, land 2, it vis possible to` add additional boltsso as to effect a cutting stroke for operations of the press equivalent to these numbers.

The ratchet wheel 11 can be removed so as `to permit another ratchet wheel to be substituted therefor, the operation requiring removal of the nut 88, coil spring 80, and the facewasher `19. A ratchet wheel 90, such as shown in Figure 7, may be substituted therefor which is characterized by a larger number of teeth although each tooth has an opening 86 in alignment with the base thereof. Ratchet wheel 9U may have sixty teeth and by inserting the bolts 81 in `variousopenings said ratchet wheel will function to energize solenoid 55 and effect a cutting operation for every two strokes of the press, for every three strokes, or for every six, ten, twelve, fteen or thirty strokes. In fact, if only `one of the bolts 81 is inserted in the ratchet wheel 90 a cutting stroke will take place for every sixty strokes of the press and with respect to ratchet wheel 11 for every forty-eight strokes of the press. It will be understood that other ratchet wheels may be substituted for the two herein shown and described, it being understood that the purpose of each wheel is to control the oscillatingmember I8 to effect a cutting operation at intervals measured by a predetermined number of strokes of the press.

Referring again to the cutter slide 26, the cutting mechanism may comprise any conventional structure such as shown in Figure 3. The plate 9| is suitably secured to the cutter slide `and the same therefore forms the movable cutting blade which has movement with respect to the stationary blade 92 to cut the scrapmaterial 3l. In

ractual practice there is a tendency for the scrap `material 3l to travel upwardly as the cutter slide moves upwardly. This may be prevented bya pressure and stripper plate 93` carried by the rod 94 supported for vertical movement by the bosses 95 projecting from and formed integral with the cutter slide. The collar 96 secured to the upper end of the rod `94 limits movement of the pressure and stripper` plate 93 in a downward direction since movement in this direction takes place as a result of the tension exerted by the coil spring 91. It will be observed thatthe pressure and stripper plate is angularly positioned on rod 94 so as to present an open mouth for receiving the scrap material and to present a heel portion for positively engaging and holding the material adjacent the cutting blades 9i and 92. When the cutting operation has been completed andv the cutter slide moves upwardly the plate 93 will maintain its position in `engagement with the scrap material on support 30 and accordingly it functions to strip the material with respect to the cutter slide. Its additional function as a pressure `plate will also be evident from the foregoing.

The electrical connection between the microswitch 68 and the solenoid 55 results in energizing the solenoid each time the contact member 10 is` actuated. Energization of the solenoid drawsits armature S down and the latch 53 is accordingly caused to engage the recessed end 63 of the oscillating lever i8. `On the next stroke of the `press the fulcrumming point of said oscillating `member will be shifted from the fulcrum pin23 to the pin 45. Instead of member I8 fulcrumming about pin 23 bodily movement is imparted to saidpin to cause reciprocating moveon the scrap material accordingly takes place. As a result of this stroke of the press the ratchet wheel was indexed another notch and said indexing movement operates to free the switch actuating member 10 of the micro-switch so that the solenoid 55 is no longer energized. Therefore, at the end of this stroke of the press the latch 43 will be returned to initial position and the gag 62 `will moveout of contact with `the recessed end of the oscillating member. On further strokes of the press the oscillating member I3 will fulcrum about its fulcrum pin 23 as before and this wil continue until the above cycle is repeated by the next actuation of switch member 10 to again energize the solenoid.

What is claimed is: y

l. In apparatus of the character described, a cutting slide mounted for substantially vertical reciprocating movement, an oscillating member having pivotal connection intermediate its ends with the cutting slide and which thereby provides a fulcrum for the member permitting pivotal movement in a substantially vertical plane, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position, means connecting with one end of said member for oscillating the same, and a latch in associated relation with the other end of said oscillating member, said latch in operative position pivotally holding said end to thereby shift the fulcrum point of the member whereby the member when oscillated imparts reciprocating movement to the cutting slide.

2. In apparatus of the character described, a cutting slide mounted for substantially vertical reciprocating movement, an oscillating member having connection with means at one end thereof for moving the same in a substantially vertical plane, means pivotally connecting the oscillating member approximately centrally thereof with the cutting slide and which thereby provides a fulcrum for the member, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position in contact with stop members and a latch in associated relation with the free end of said mem- I ber, said latch having an operative and inoperative position withsaid end, and when in operative position `pivotally holding said end to thereby shiftthe fulcrum point of the member whereby the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide.

3. In apparatus of the character described, a

cutting slide mounted for substantially vertical reciprocating movement, an oscillating member having connection with means at one end thereof for moving the same in asubstantially vertical plane, means `pivotally connecting the oscillating member approximately centrally thereof with the cutting slide and which thereby provides a` fulcrum for the member, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position in contact with stop members,` a latch in associated relation with the other end of said oscillating member and normally assuming a released position with said end, whereby said oscillating member will normally fulcrum on the cutting slide, and means for actuating the latch into engaged position with said end of the member to pivotally hold` said end in a down position, whereby the latchfunctions to shift the fulcrum point of the member so that the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide.

4. In apparatus of the character described, a cutting slide mounted for reciprocating movement, an oscillating member having pivotal connection intermediate .'its ends with the cutting slide to thereby providea fulcrum for the member, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position in contact with stop members, means connecting with one end of said member for oscillating the same, a latch in associated relation with the other end of said oscillatingmember and in operative position pivotally holding said end to thereby shift the fulcrum point of the member, whereby the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide, and electrical means for actuating said latch to an operative position.

5. In apparatus of the character described, a cutting slide mounted for reciprocating movement, an oscillating member having pivotal connection intermediate its ends with the cutting slide to thereby provide a fulcrum for the member, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position in contact with stop members, means connecting with one end of said member for oscillating the same, a latch in associated relation with the other end of saiol oscillating member and in operative position pivotally holding said end to thereby shift the fulcrum point of the member, whereby the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide, resilient means maintaining said latch in an inoperative position, and a solenoidproviding an armature having connection with the latch for actuating the latch to an operative position when energized.

6. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a punch press having an operating shaft, of an oscillating member connecting with said shaft and which is oscillated during rotation thereof, a cutting slide mounted for vertiacl reciprocating movement, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position, means connecting the oscillating member intermediate its ends with the cutting slide to thereby provide a fulcrum for the member, and a latch having an operative and inoperative position with the free end of said oscillating member, said latch in operative position pivotally holding the free end of the member in down position to thereby shift the fulcrum point of said member, whereby said member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide.

7. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a punch press having an operating shaft, of an oscillating member connecting with said shaft and which is oscillated during rotation thereof, a cutting slide mounted for vertical reciprocating movement, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position, means connecting the oscillating member intermediate its ends with the cutting slide to thereby provide a fulcrum for the member, a

-latch in associated relation with the free end of said oscillating member and which in operative position pivotally holds said end to shift the fulcrum point of the member, whereby the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide, and means for actuating the latch to an operative position.

8. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a punch press having an operating shaft, of an oscillating member connecting with said shaft and which `is oscillated during rotation thereof, a cutting slide mounted for vertical reciprocating movement, f resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position, means connecting the oscillating member intermediate its ends With the cutting slide 'to thereby provide ya fulcrum for the membeiz a latch in associated relation with the free end of said oscillating 'member and in operative position pivotally holding said end down to thereby shift the fulcrum point of the member, whereby the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide, resilient means maintaining said latch in a released position with respect to the free end of the member, and electrical means for actuating the latch to an operative position.

9. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a punch press having an operating shaft, of an oscillating member connecting with said shaft and which is oscillated during rotation thereof, a cutting slide mounted for vertical reciprocating movement, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position, means connecting the oscillating member intermediate its ends with the cutting slide to thereby provide a fulcrum for the member, a latch in associated relation with the free end of said oscillating member and in operative position pivotally holding said end down to thereby shift the fulcrum point of the member, whereby the member When oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide, resilient means maintaining said latch in a released position with respect to the free end of the member, and a solenoid providing an armature for connecting with the latch for actuating the latch to an operative position when energized.

10. In a scrap cutter for association with a punch press, in combination, a base providing spaced upright posts and mounting 'between the posts a stationary cutting blade, a reciprocating slide supported by said upright posts and providing a movable cutting blade for coaction with said stationary blade, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position against stop means, a member having pivotal connection intermediate its ends with the cutting slide to thereby provide a fulcrum for the member permitting oscillating movement thereof, means connecting with one end of the member for oscillating the same, a latch in associated relation with the other end of the member and having an engaged and released position therewith-said latch when engaged pivotally holding its end of the oscillating member in a down position to thereby shift the fulcrum point of the member, whereby the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide.

11. In a scrap cutter for association with a punch press, in combination, a base providing spaced upright posts and mounting between the posts a stationary cutting blade, a reciprocating slide supported by said upright posts and providing a movable cutting blade for coaction with said stationary blade, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position against stop means, a member having pivotal connection intermediate its ends with the cutting slide to thereby provide a fulcrum for the member permitting oscillating movement thereof, means receiving actuation in timed relation with the press and connecting with one end of said member for oscillating the same, a latch in associated relation with the other end of said member and having an engaged and a released position therewith, said latch when engaged pivotally holding its end of the oscillating member in a down position to thereby shift the fulcrum point of the member, whereby the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide, and electrical means for actuating the member into an engaged position.

12. In a scrap cutter for association with a punch press, in combination, a base providing spaced upright posts and mounting between the posts a stationary cutting blade, a. reciprocating slide supported by said upright posts and providing a movable cutting blade for coaction with said stationary blade, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position against stop means, a member having pivotal connection intermediate its ends with the cutting slide to thereby provide a fulcrum for the member permitting oscillating movement thereof, means receiving actuation in timed relation with the press and connecting with one end of said member for oscillating the same, a latch in associated relation with the other end of said member and having an engaged and a released position therewith, said latch when engaged pivotally holding its end of the oscillating member in a down position to thereby shift the fulcrum point of themember, whereby the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating `movement to the cutting slide, resilient means maintaining the latch in a released position, and a solenoid providing an armature having connection with the latch for actuating the latch into an engaged position when energized.

13. In a scrap cutter for association with a punch press, in combination, a cutting slide mounted for vertical reciprocating movement, an oscillating member having movement in timed relation with operations of the press, means pivotally connecting the member approximately centrally thereof with the cutting slide which thereby provides a fulcrum for the member, resilient means maintaining the cutting slide in an elevated position against stop members, a latch having associated relation with the free end of said oscillating member and in engaged position pivotally holding said end to shift the fulcrum point of the member, whereby the member when oscillated will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting slide, a rotatable ratchet f wheel having contact members located in predetermined spaced relation around the periphery thereof for electrically actuating the latch to an engaged position, and means indexing the ratchet wheel one notch for each operation of the press.

14. In a scrap cutter for association with a punch press, in combination, a cutting slide mounted for vertical reciprocating movement and yieldingly held in an elevated position, an oscillating member fulcrummed on said cutting slide at approximately the mid-point of said member, means connecting with one end of the member for oscillating the same in timed relation with the operations of the press, a latch having an engaged and a released position with the other end of the member, said latch in engaged position pivotally holding said end of the member to shift the fulcrum point, whereby the member` upon oscillating movement will impart reciprocatingmovement to the cutting blade, resilient means maintaining the latch in a released position, a solenoid providing an` armature having connection with the latch for actuating the latch into `an engaged position when energized, and

means for periodically energizing said solenoid including a rotatable member, an electric switch for said solenoid, and switch contact means lolcated in spaced relation around the periphery of said rotatable member.

15. In a scrap cutter for association with a punch press, in combination, a cutting slide mounted for vertical reciprocating movement and yieldingly held in an elevated position, an oscillating member fulcrummed on said cutting slide at approximately the mid-point of said member, means connecting with one end of the member for oscillating the same in timed relation with the operations of the press, a latch having anengaged and a released position with the other end of the member, said latch in engaged position pivotally holding said end of the member to shift the fulcrum point, whereby the member upon oscillating movement will impart reciprocating movement to the cutting blade, resilient means maintaining the latch in a released position, a solenoid providing an armature having connection with the latch for` actuating the latch into an engaged position when energized, and means energizing the solenoid at intervals measured by the operations of the press including a rotatable ratchet wheel having switch contact means located in spaced relation around the periphery thereof, a switch electrically connecting with the solenoid and located for actuation by said contact means, and other means indexing the ratchet wheel one notch for each operation of the press.

16. In a scrap cutter for association with a punch press, in combination, a reciprocating cutting slide, an oscillating member for actuating said slide, said member having movement during each operation of the press, a latch for rendering said member effective to actuate the cutting slide to perform a cutting operation, electromagnetic means for operating said latch, a ratchet wheel having switch contact means located in predetermined spaced relation `around the periphery thereof, a switch member electrically connecting with the electro-magnetic means and positioned for actuation by said contact means, and other means indexing the ratchet wheel one notch for each actuation of the press.

17. In a scrap cutter for association with a punch press, in combination, a reciprocating cutting slide, an oscillating member for actuating said slide, said member having movement during each operation of the press, a latch for rendering said member effective to actuate the cutting slide to lperform a cutting operation, electro-magnetic means for operating said latch, and a rotatable ratchet wheel having indexing movement for each operation of the press and controlling the electric circuit to said electro-` magnetic means.

18. In a scrap cutter for association with a punch press, in combination, a reciprocating cutting slide, an oscillating member for actuating said slide, said member having movement during each operation of the press, a latch for rendering said member effective to actuate the cutting slide to perform a cutting operation, electro-magnetic means for operating said latch, and means for energizing said electro-magnetic means at predetermined intervals measured by the operations of the press to thereby render said latch operative to cause a cutting operation.

EDGAR R. MILLER. 

